Paul Skenes wants the ball. All the time. Yet the only pitcher in major league history to start the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons also understands the Pittsburgh Pirates are intent on playing the long game with his electric right arm.

The Pittsburgh Pirates stumbled out of the gate over the weekend in their first post-All-Star Break series, suffering a sweep at home to the woeful Chicago White Sox. Stiffer competition arrived at PNC Park on Monday in the Detroit Tigers,

Flaherty, a right-hander for the Detroit Tigers, didn't return to the mound for the fourth inning Monday, July 21, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, replaced by left-handed reliever Dietrich Enns, who completed the next 2⅔ innings. It was another poor start.